Color is the single most important design element you can use when creating your perfect space. It invokes feeling and emotions of every sort. Color can make us feel energetic, calm, romantic, sensual, or even agitated. It can increase our appetite or, in some cases, lose it all together. Color defines us. The colors we wear and surround our self's with, say a lot about who we are.

Let's look at some of the color moods, and see how you may be using them to express your personality in your home, or in your life. We'll start with more energetic or active moods such as whimsical, dynamic, and sensual. Then, there are moods that are more restful and quiet such as traditional, romantic, nurturing, and contemplative. You may be using one or more of these mood color palettes in your home or in your clothing choices and not even realize the impression you are making on the people around you. For instance, a living room that's furnished in hunter green, red and gold colors will let people know that you are more traditional. While a bright green, nautical blue and lemon yellow would mean you were more whimsical.

Did you ever notice how colors can bring back memories? If you enter a space filled with ocean blues, aquamarines, and Sahara Sand colors, you can easily recall a family vacation at the beach. You can almost hear the sounds of the ocean waters lapping the shores, smell the salty water and cotton candy, and see the children running along the water's edge being knocked down by rushing waves. That is the magic of color in our world.

Take for instance the color red. Everyone feels a little excited when they see red. It is commonly associated with fire and flame. It's provocative and alerts us to danger. It also symbolizes sexual energy, power, and strength. If you walk into a party, you are more likely to notice the women wearing red before you notice the others. Physiologically, red can cause increased blood pressure, pulse rate, and heartbeat. It can also improve the sense of smell, causes the taste buds to become more sensitive, and improves appetite. If red is your favorite color, you can bet you are a confident person full of passion and excitement. Your optimistic, impulsive, daring, and like to be the center of attention. According to the art of Chinese Feng Shui, red invites prosperity into your home when used on an entrance door. So what are you waiting for, paint that door!

Yellow, on the other hand, brings warmth and sunlight into our day. It makes us feel playful and joyful. In Greek and Roman days it stood for nobility, wisdom, and divinity. Those drawn to yellow are insightful and intuitive. Some words often associated with yellow are sunny, cheerful, and exciting. The majority of people consider yellow to be the happiest of all colors, so it is a great color to add to your home and clothing choices.

Let's talk about orange and how it invokes visions of setting suns and radiant energy heat. Since it is less intense and passionate than red, orange pulls a little sunshine and joy from yellow. This makes for a fun loving, high energy color palette. Orange is a known appetite stimulant, so don't put it in your kitchen and expect to lose weight. Children who have a tendency to color more with orange are known to be more outgoing and sympathetic and love to use their imaginations. There are people who will find orange to be too offensive and overwhelming, especially those who have a more introverted or subdued personality. If you love orange you are probably good-natured, extroverted, and adventurous. You can use orange in your home sparingly to add surprise and excitement to your decor, or go hog wild and really "Wow" your guest with its bold color on your walls or furniture choices.

Blue is the color of the sky and ocean, and it brings us comfort and peace. It represents truth and constancy. Blue is the color of spirit and invokes feelings of hope. The color blue is great for creating a space that is calm and inviting. In the past, blue rays have been used by mystics and clairvoyants to heal. Lovers of blue are trusting or need to be trusted. Deeply sensitive to the needs of others, they can form strong bonds with the people in their lives. While enjoying a more public get-together, people who are drawn to blue really prefer to hang out with their own circle of friends. Dark blue, often used for uniforms, carries a message that the people wearing them are in charge and are trustworthy. Whether you love the color blue in your home or blue jeans on your body, know that it is a favorite American color.

Next, let's see how green plays a roll in our lives. If you walk outside in the summer you can't help but be surrounded by greens. The lush greenery of plants and trees gives us a feeling of being nurtured. There is a sense of calmness and peace. When we link green to our sense of smell we can imagine freshly mowed lawns. key lime pie, and crushed mint leaves. Green has been shown to "lighten moods". People who are drawn to green are usually more balanced and stable. They are often the "do-gooders" of the neighborhood and are loyal friends. Green symbolizes growth and regeneration. When using green in your home you are inviting people to rest and relax in a harmonious way.

Next, we'll look at the most complex color of all, purple. The marriage of fiery red and tranquil blue, this is a favorite of artist and performers or anyone who is a nonconformists type. In religion, purple is associated with dignity and spirituality. Jesus wore a purple robe when he received the crown of thorns. Many Egyptian warriors wore amethyst when going into battle. They felt it protected them. In ancient times purple was associated with regalness and wealth, When purple has a definite blue or red undertone, people are more comfortable with it. Purple has an aura of intrigue and mystery and people who love it are highly creative. They have a keen observation but may be moody at times. This color is not for everyone and requires a strong and unique person to tolerate its many undertones and nuances.

The neutral colors are still to be explored. We will save them for another day, but we hope that this overview of the basic colors gives you an idea of their many color moods and how they affect the people who view them and live with them every day. It is our hope that you have gained some knowledge of how to utilize them in your life.